CREED: “Specific statement(s) of religious beliefs, doctrines, accepted as authoritative by church” (Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language, Second Edition) In the religious world today there are many creeds. These creeds (doctrines) are the basic difference between every separate religious group. Should a man be concerned that there are multiple creeds, or should he simply follow one that is most to his liking? The term creed” is not found in God’s word. The
closest thing would be Christ’s statement about the Jewish leaders of His day: “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines (creeds) the commandments of men” Matthew 15:9). We need to let God’s word tell us if there can be more than one authoritative doctrine. First, we must establish WHO is the authority for religious beliefs and teachings. We must understand that there is but ONE author: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9}
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:8-9). The term “author” carries with it the power of “authority.” By becoming the “author of salvation,” Christ also became the sole authority concerning salvation. Note: “And Jesus came
and spake unto them, saying, All power (authority, ASV) is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). This sole authority was given to the Son by the Father in heaven. It had never before, nor has it since, been give to any other being, neither angel nor man. Second, we must establish WHAT is the authority for religious beliefs and teachings. There is but one set of authoritative instructions that will guide men in the way of salvation. Jesus was matter-of-fact concerning those instructions and by Whose authority they were given: “He that rejecteth me, and
receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). The apostle Paul reminds the serious reader: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: {17} That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”
2 Timothy 3:16-17). David said the word of God is perfect: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” Psalms 19:7).
Nothing more is needed for religious guidance than doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Therefore; Paul said it “thoroughly furnishes” the “man of God.” Doctrine is the teaching (creed) of Christ. The doctrine of Christ is the only thing that we can believe and the only thing we can teach others. The scriptures provide reproof the pointing out of man’s faults). The doctrine gives correction (what man must do to overcome his faults). All of this thoroughly furnishes (sufficiently) instructs man how to be righteous. According to Jesus, His gospel will meet
the needs of the whole world, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15); and “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:...” (Matthew 28:19-20). This thwarts the need for any “new” revelation, especially such works at The Book of Mormon or The Koran (the bible of the Moslems). It seems that many today want to change the word of God. They want to insert today’s
culture into the scripture. The implication is that God’s word no longer fits the needs of modern man. Besides what Paul said to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:16-17 above), Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (Luke 21:33). Peter said, “But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:25).
Both these verses mean that God’s word gives the same instruction for ALL times no matter
what the culture. Man must remember that God’s word was given to change the cultures of men, NOT to be changed by men’s culture. What creed must man follow? The only creed man can accept must be the creed (doctrine, teaching) given by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. To accept any other doctrine (creed) is to damn our souls, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. {10} If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: {11} For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11). —John D. Cotham
Shady Valley, TN